Dez Wells, a day after being exonerated by the legal system, says he holds no animosity toward Xavier officials despite feeling like he was railroaded when the school expelled him.

"I didn't think the process was fair,” Wells told CBS Sports on Wednesday. “I went into it as guilty and having to prove my innocence instead of them having to prove that I was guilty. I feel like everyone rushed the process and panicked. They went with a gut feel. I understand the severity of the accusations. Rape is one of the highest felonies in the world, but I think they just panicked."

Dez Wells was expelled from Xavier last week. (AP Photo)

"But I still appreciate everything that Xavier has done for me. ... It's been tough, but I am honestly thankful for everything Xavier has done for me.”

Wells, a 20-year-old native of Raleigh, N.C., says the sexual assault charges stemmed from a “Truth or Dare” game that ultimately ended in consensual sex. The next day, his partner claimed she had been sexually assaulted. The school acted swiftly and decisively in expelling Wells earlier this month.

Hamilton County prosecutor Joe Deters, when announcing that a grand jury declined to pursue charges, blasted the Xavier administration on Tuesday for its handling of the case.

In an interview with WLW-AM radio, Deters called the use of a University Conduct Board to determine whether Wells had committed an offense worthy of expulsion “fundamentally unfair” and “seriously flawed.” Deters said this matter “should never have gotten to the point where someone’s reputation is ruined.”

“I cannot by law discuss what went in front of the Grand Jury,” Deters told WLW. “What I can tell you, though, is this is a young man with no record that we know of, who this allegation was leveled against and in our opinion at the conclusion of this that the Grand Jury did come to the right conclusion.

“I would hope they would revisit this thing. They’re set up to protect their students, but Dez Wells is a student, too.”

Wells is back with his family in Raleigh, deciding his next steps. He will have to sit out this season as a transfer but then will have three years of eligibility remaining. He said he is deciding among Memphis, Maryland, Kentucky and hometown N.C. State.

"I've learned that people can come up with the wrong perception of you, but I'm still thankful of the fact that I can still play basketball and have a chance to take care of my family down the road." Wells told CBS.